Spring at Saddle Run

Last Ride, Texas #1

by Delores Fossen

The truth about a small-town scandal unleashes one wildly unexpected romance.

Millie Parkman Dayton is still healing from the fatal car accident that claimed her husband and turned her into the focus of local gossip. But when she’s thrown together with the attractive rancher who shares in her tragic past, new rumors begin to fly in Last Ride, Texas.

Single dad Joe McCann is focused on running his ranch and raising his daughter. He has no desire to help Millie unearth his late wife’s past, especially if it means revealing painful secrets. Until his daughter teams up with Millie, and the widower cowboy finds himself agreeing to help them with their project—and opening the door to a deep attraction he thought he’d never find again.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Harlequin, Cowboy Romance, Western Romance

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2021

About the author

Thank you for finding me on Goodreads!

Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:

I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Cowboy Romance, and this is a the first book in the Last Ride, Texas series. I have to say this storyline is one I have never see before, and I found it so good. Even if this is a romance it is not a cute sweet romance. This book has great characters that brings the story to life, and the storyline keeps you wanting to keep reading. There was twists and turns, love, heartbreaks, steamy moments and of course drama. I loved this book so much. I cannot wait to see what the second book in this series will bring. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin) or author (Delores Fossen) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4 stars
Genre Small Town | Cowboy-Rancher Romance

Review Snapshot : Delores Fossen has written a unique and irresistible cowboy romance with Spring at Saddle Run! I love how the story not only has a slow burning romance but a bit of a mystery too!

︙︙︙︙︙︙︙︙︙

I can’t believe I’m going to say this but… I’ve never read a book by Delores Fossen before! I know, it seems a little unreal because she has about 100 books published and she’s extremely popular when it comes to small town romances, but I hadn’t had a chance to read her until now. PHEW! I am so glad I did. Even more, I’m extremely excited for the next book in the series! I personally hope it’s Frankie and Tanner’s story but regardless I’ll be reading it anyway. These cowboy/rancher books are ADDICTING. Looks like Fossen made a new fan out of me!

Spring at Saddle Ranch is the first book in the Last Ride Texas series. From what I gather, each of the books can be read as standalone novels. However, if they follow characters that we get to know from previous books then I do recommend reading them in order. That’s so you don’t get any spoilers! Anyway, this is a small town, rancher romance. There’s a scandal with a bit of a mystery attached to it (which I LOVED), and a slow burn romance that will leave you ANXIOUS! Millie and Joe (and Dara) are al great characters, but I wanted to knock some sense into them! They clearly belonged together and watching them “try and keep it as friendship only” grated on my nerves! But it also adds to the spectacular and romantic ending so I guess I can’t fault them. They had good reasons for being afraid of love too (that scandal!).

What I also loved about this book is watching Millie sort of grow into being her own person. Her mother was HORRIBLE and there were many times I wanted to scream at her myself but when Millie finally grew a backbone it was wonderful to watch (or read, rather). I love seeing characters grow in novels and that happened here with Millie.

That all being said, this is a great book and I look forward to reading many more of the authors novels in the near future (especially the next book in this series). If you enjoy a sweeter romance with a little bit of steam (not overly erotic) then this is the book for you! I think it’s perfect for romance readers who don’t want their books too dirty and those who want something a little steamier than wholesome romances.

𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millie Parkman Dayton is slowly recovering from an accident that claimed the life of her husband. the name "Parkman" is a big one in her hometown of Last Ride, Texas. Being thrown together in a town event with Joe McCann is going to be extremely difficult for Millie. Sadly, Joe's wife died in the same accident Millie's husband did. How will the two work together with such a tragic past that stares them right in the face?

While Joe tries to throw himself into ranch work, he cannot help but be affected by the gossip being thrown out about town. Trying to be a good father with things going on and now with the fact that he must work together with Millie is no small challenge. One thing that truly disturbs Joe is that he is more than drawn to Millie. This really confuses him, so it becomes a question as to how long the two of them can resist their growing feelings.

As I had the second book in this series, I was more than pleased to read this one. What a fine foundation to an already delightful series.

Many thanks to HQN and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. The main characters spouses died together in a car crash. They have lived with the horrific truth that their spouses were having an affair. I enjoyed their romance and how they took their time. I did figure out the truth of what happened fairly early on, but it didn't take away from the romance. I also enjoyed Joe's relationship with his daughter. I definitely recommend this one.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie Parkman Dayton is a "Parkman." Her, a few greats grandmother, Hezzie Parkman founded Millie's hometown of Last Ride, Texas. The Parkmans are still one of the premier families in town. Every quarter a good number of the various Parkman family members age 21 or older would meet for the Last Ride Society meeting. One order of business at these meetings was for a member to be chosen from the "Bowl o' Names" or the "living" bowl who would pick a name out of the "Bowl of Tombstones" bowl and have to write a report on that deceased person for the town's history. Much to her chagrin Millie was chosen to pick a name and unfortunately the name she picked was Ella McCann, wife of Joe McCann and mother of Dara McCann. Ella McCann died in a car crash with Millie's husband Royce Dayton. Gossip and speculation has run rampant in Last Ride. Everyone believed Ella and Royce were having an affair. Yes, even Millie Parkman Dayton and Joe McCann. Having to write this report meant Millie had to see Joe especially because Dara McCann asked Millie if she could help Millie write it. Millie and Joe had been avoiding each other as best they could prior to this. Now... one thing leads to another... to another. How can Millie and Joe be so attracted to each other?

Joe McCann runs a ranch and with all the gossip in town after his wife's death he tries to spend as much time as possible there keeping himself busy with ranch chores. But he has Dara, the daughter he loves dearly, to raise and he can't isolate himself as much as he might like to. When Dara asks to help Millie write a report on his deceased wife Joe can't tell her "no." Even as Dara starts becoming attached to Millie Joe finds himself very attracted to Millie. One thing leads to another...

Spring at Saddle Run by Delores Fossen is the first book in her Last Ride, Texas series. This is a super beginning to this series. The storyline here is quite interesting. Small town gossip always seems to take its toll. Millie and Joe have been dealing with the speculation about their spouses dying together for almost two years. Both Millie and Joe share misgivings about what they believe was going on between Ella and Royce. All this leads them to fight hard to not be attracted to each other. When they finally decide to try to get some answers so they can move on the story gets really interesting. There are some fascinating surprises here. I can't wait for the next book in the series, Christmas at Colts Creek.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Julie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series! Can't wait to read the rest of them. Such a wonderful, engaging, funny cast of characters.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. One of the dumbest books I have ever started.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, the first in a new series was great. I was hooked from page one. You learn about Millie and all that has happened to her. She is reeling from a loss and than having to do something she doesn't want to. Next we learn about Joe and Dara. They too are dealing with loss. This book is about solving a mystery that involves several people, dealing with a snooty mom, healing a broken heart and falling in love when you least expect to!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie Parkman Dayton is a "Parkman." Her, a few greats grandmother, Hezzie Parkman founded Millie's hometown of Last Ride, Texas. The Parkmans are still one of the premier families in town. Every quarter all the a good number of the various Parkman family members age 21 or older would meet for the Last Ride Society meeting. One order of business at these meetings was for a member to be chosen from the "living" bowl who would pick a name out of the "Bowl of Tombstones" and have to write a report on that deceased person for the town's history. Much to her chagrin Millie was chosen to pick a name and unfortunately the name she picked was Ella McCann, wife of Joe McCann and mother of Dara McCann. Ella McCann died in a car crash with Millie's husband Royce Dayton. Gossip and speculation ran rampant in Last Ride. Everyone believed Ella and Royce were having an affair. Yes, even Millie Parkman Dayton and Joe McCann. Having to write this report meant Millie had to see Joe especially because Dara McCann asked Millie if she could help Millie write it. Millie and Joe had been avoiding each other as best they could prior to this. Now... one thing leads to another... to another. How can Millie and Joe be so attracted to each other?

Joe McCann runs a ranch and with all the gossip in town after his wife's death he tries to spend as much time as possible there keeping himself busy with ranch chores. But he has Dara, the daughter he loves dearly, to raise and he can't isolate himself as much as he might like to. When Dara asks to help Millie write a report on his deceased wife Joe can't tell her "no." Even as Dara starts becoming attached to Millie Joe finds himself very attracted to Millie. One thing leads to another...

Spring at Saddle Run by Delores Fossen is the first book in her Last Ride, Texas series. This is a super beginning to this series. The storyline here is quite interesting. Small town gossip always seems to take its toll. Millie and Joe have been dealing with speculation about their spouses dying together in a car wreck for almost two years. Joe and Millie share misgivings about what they believe. What was going on between Ella and Royce? All this leads them to fight hard to not be attracted to each other. When they finally decide to try to get some answers the story gets really interesting. There are some fascinating surprises here. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about having the deck stacked against you!

The opening immediately grabs your heart and makes you want to bleed for Joe and Millie. Her husband and his wife died on the same day. In the same car accident. In the same car. The scandal is still going strong, nearly two years later, when Millie is assigned to research the life history of Joe's wife as part of the town's ongoing history project.

To say that their mutual attraction to each other "is complicated" is quite possibly the biggest understatement in literary history. These two don't know what to do with all the heat they're generating, but they certainly can't ignore it any longer, regardless of the inevitable gossip.

This is a wonderful small town story, filled with an inventive assortment of characters who bring tremendous life to this complex story. The writing style feels like a best friend dishing all the dirt over drinks, hitting a perfect balance between snark and brutal honesty, with a strong undercurrent of heartwarming emotional depth. I truly did not see the ending coming, but it was brilliantly executed, poignant, and cathartic for all involved.

This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be the last. I usually read books rather quickly, but this was one that I had to slow down with and savor every delicious scene. There was plenty of steam, lots of laugh out loud moments, and a very satisfying HEA. Truly a unique reading experience, this story stands out as one of my favorites of this year. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Spring at Saddle Run opens up the Last Ride, Texas series (which includes at least one novella, so far). I am loving the covers on these titles, especially the most recent three books. Covers do matter to me, frankly, they often decide if I even pick it up (click on it) to read the Cover Description. In fairness, all of the stories in the Last Ride, Texas series could be read as standalone; the couple’s story is complete in each one… but, there are more stories to come that will intertwine in some ways with the previously released ones. I prefer to try to read a series from the start if I can, but you do what works for you.

Millie Parkman Dayton and Joe McCann both share a bit of history thanks to their spouses who mysteriously died together in the same car crash. Speculation has run rampant in this small town and gossip is always like wildfire; it spreads so easily. Yet neither knows the absolute truth as to why her husband and his wife were in that car together that day… and they probably will never know for certain.

When they find themselves chosen to work on a town project that neither can actually refuse all those emotions come back to the surface once again. What they didn’t expect was the attraction, the sense of rightness in the middle of a town on fire for the latest gossip. Watching Millie and Joe work together, begin to acknowledge the pull between them, and then set about actually making their unique situation work for them and Joe’s daughter was a wonderful, emotional journey. There are twists and turns, and enough intrigue to choke a goat but… there are also enough emotions, laughter with tears, healing, and looking forward to an unexpected future as well. There are bumps on this rocky road to a happy future, but they are weathered with a newly found love that can handle trouble as long as loved ones are nearby.

Spring at Saddle Run is a well-written, emotion-engaging, often heart-wrenching look at how love with the person who fits you just right can make a difference for so many others. This one has everything I need to check off all the boxes on a really good romance. And I’m so glad there are more good reasons to return, soon, to Last Ride, Texas.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

[Seadaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I did enjoy the story.

My first book by this author, and I have quickly purchased book 2 of this series.

Millie is trying to recover from the death of her husband, the husband that it looks like died in the arms of his lover. That lover was Joe’s wife.

Millie’s turn is up to delve into researching a life of a now dead resident of the town she lives in. The luck of the draw finds Millie pull out Joe’s dead wife’s name out of the bowl of names, and she has to then spend time researching that woman.

During the research, she becomes close to Joe’s daughter and to Joe and she and Joe discover that they may have been wrong to conclude that their partners were in fact having an affair.

I did find the ancient porn artefacts a bit strange - in that she seemed to get off having them nearby when she was having sex with Joe.

The lock and key thing was cringy, think it only became cringy as the author continued it for quite awhile through the book.

The prim and proper mother story was odd, and why did the Aunt act the way she did.

Good story but some of the addons/fluff were strange. Hasn’t stopped me buying the next book in the series or of thinking of buying some of her other series.

[k2148 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring at Saddle Run (Last Ride, Texas #1). By Delores Fossen. 2021. HQN Books (ARC eBook).

The Last Ride Society has a long tradition of recording histories of the town’s deceased. And Millie Dayton has been chosen to contribute a report. But the name she draws from the bowl is Ella McCann, the woman who died in the same car as Millie’s husband, Royce. Reluctantly, Millie accepts help in researching Ella from Dara McCann, the daughter of Ella and Joe McCann, the handsome rancher and widower who is just as torn up about the tragedy as Millie.

Spring at Saddle Run has a unique premise that Fossen executes well with great writing, complex characters and lots of emotions. I thought Joe and Millie had great chemistry and I look forward to more in the series.

*HQN Books via NetGalley

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in the Last Ride, Texas series in which both Millie and Joe are grieving--and angry--about the death of their respective spouses. Why? They were in the same car with their arms around each other. Does this mean what everyone thinks--that they were cheating, maybe even running away together?

Millie fears what she might uncover when she is tasked with writing a report about Joe's wife for the town's records. Joe doesn't want to help but his daughter insists on doing so. What Millie learns from the 12 year old is nothing compared to what comes out when her parents' sex tape is also revealed. Mercy!

Then there's how Millie and Joe feel about each other but are afraid to admit--until there's no point it in hiding it any longer. Yum yum!

[Kiemm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
It was interestingh like the setting is new and unlike other books i read before.
The only con for me the endding felt a bit sudden like it didnt feel like a ending ukuk. It felt like a sudden stop, and they nvr address why royce and ella was in each other arms in the car crash. And i keep thinking that even after they found out they werent cheating that they will find out they actually were cheating while doing the whole business thing tgt so i cant say i wasnt surprise that the book ended like that. Like the evidence they found wasnt strong enough for me like shjsjsjs. But other then that i found the story very sweet, just 2 people who lost they loved ones confused finding comfort with each other.
Spivy*

[Karen Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPRING AT SADDLE RUN by Delores Fossen is her first book of the Last Ride, Texas series. Millie Parkman Dayton is still healing from the fatal car accident that claimed her husband and turned her into the focus of local gossip. Single dad Joe McCann is focused on running his ranch and raising his daughter. He has no desire to help Millie unearth his late wife’s past, especially if it means revealing painful secrets. SPRING AT SADDLE RUN is a sweet, hilarious romance about a second chance for both Millie and Joe as they search for truth and forgiveness. Delores Fossen writes small-town romances filled with hot cowboys, meddling townsfolks, and some sweetness with a lot of sass.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie Parkman Dayton husband died in an auto accident 22 months ago. In his car was Joe McCann's wife! Of course, in a small town this is big scandal. Joe and Millie have been avoiding seeing each other in town. Neither understand why the two spouses were together and where they were going.

Due to the Parkman's family history in town Millie now has to write a report on wife for town history. Joe's daughter has offered to help Millie.

Seems now Joe and Millie are attracted to each other! Can they stay away from each other and find out they their spouses were together.

Good Story!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Two wounded souls bound by family and a shared tragedy get their shot at a second chance. Millie was “chosen” to research the woman who was thought to have been her husband’s mistress. Joe has to endure that research and come to terms with whatever that turns out to be. They fight their attraction knowing it will cause problems, but inevitably it turns into love, something neither of them counted on.

[Nancy Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book I've read in a long time

This book has several interconnecting story lines with characters you love and love to hate. It has the predictable HEA but it deals with loss of love, loss of partners through death, gossip, things not always as they appear, long standing secrets and romantic love that has lasted decades. Besides all that the author manages to include a surprise twist toward the end. I didn't want to put it down.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie & Joe

a fresh storyline that was interesting to see how two people come together 2 years after the death of their spouses. Don't want to give away too much but it was a pleasure to read. loved the characters, funny at times and sad for a bit. hard to resolve feelings when you don't have all the answers. and when you finally get them, there is a sudden change on how you look at things.

it was my first book by this author and I'm so glad I found it.

[Karen Torrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

saddle Run Ranch

I really enjoyed the book. The sex parts I just skimmed by but they weren’t graphic. I liked how it takes the death of two people and 2 years to figure out the truth. Kept me interested for the 2 days it took me to read. I guess I will NOT recommend for young girls but fine for young adults and us old people too.

[Steve Tippie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring at Saddle Run...Such aXexy & Sweet Love Story!

I really loved this Western Love Story!

It was a mystery, comedy & love story...all wrapped up in one.

Pleased to see that this is the Very 1st Book in a series!

So very excited to read the next book...

Joe is my new book-boyfriend for now. Lol

Thank-you! New to me author.

[Catherine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

will Book 2 be as good?

What a wonderfully quirky novel!! I chuckled multiple times throughout the book. It had everything for the reader: a totally different plot , great characters, laughter, teams and tenderness. I am hoping that Book 2 is as good as this one was

[Karen Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

This was such a good book! I had never read this author and this was a great one to start with. I read lots of romance books and this one was one of the better ones I’ve read recently. I couldn’t wait to find out all that twists and turns! Highly recommend!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this first book in the Last Ride, Texas series. I loved the characters and the back story of Millie Parkman Dayton and Joe McCann and how their past and futures met. You never know the truth until you research the past. Great book

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a slow starter for me - the main premise is sort of wild, and there are some snobbish society types playing a big part in the opening scenes. Just not my cup of tea. Once the story really got going it was much more interesting.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

a strong 3.5 stars. A romance with a bit of genealogy thrown in. Strong, well developed characters and a premise that was different than anything I've read before. Reminded me a little bit of the Kevin Costner movie, The Upside of Anger.

[Catelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot of characters at first but there was so many loop holes of twist in this book I just couldn’t wait to find out the answers to. Not too much sexiness but the story was good. Very realistic in how chaotic and messy life can be.

[HTP Books]

Categories
Western Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Family Life Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Last Ride, Texas (Book #1)

[Maureen Hubley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book couldn't put it down even at work. Can't wait for the second book in the series.